Mars Science Laboratory pressure model being tested for entry to the Martian atmosphere.
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Quick Facts (Benefits)
- Asymmetric sliding-block nozzles allow for continuous variation of Mach number while operating.
- Continuous-sweep testing to allow rapid measurement of vehicle performance across a wide range of angles.
- Dedicated high-pressure air system for propulsion simulation with continuous flow rates up to 10 lbm/sec.
- A large selection of internal force-and-moment balances are available to meet testing needs.
- A wide variety of flow visualization techniques are available for both on-and off-body phenomena.
Facility Applications
- Supersonic vehicle design screening, database development, and CFD validation.
- Space access – Space Launch System, Commercial Crew, Commercial Resupply Services programs.
- Entry, Descent, and Landing – Mars Science Laboratory, Orion, Hypersonic Inflatable Aerodynamic Decelerator, and Supersonic Retropropulsion.
- Slender body atmospheric flight vehicles in support of military and civilian programs – Hyper-X and Hy-BoLT.
- Fundamental flow physics research and development of instrumentation and test techniques.
